title: Understanding current steam sterilization recommendations and guidelines.
abstract: Processing surgical instruments in preparation for surgery is a complex multistep practice. It is impractical to culture each and every item to determine sterility; therefore, the best assurance of a sterile product is careful execution of every step in the process coupled with an ongoing quality control program. Perioperative staff nurses and managers responsible for instrument processing, whether for a single instrument or multiple sets, must be knowledgeable with regard to cleaning; packaging; cycle selection; and the use of physical, chemical, and biological monitors. Nurses also should be able to resolve issues related to loaner sets, flash sterilization, and extended cycles.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spry
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003902:Detergents; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000592:standards; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019064:Product Packaging; D011786:Quality Control; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents